Aluko Set for Hull Return Following Injury.

Hull City forward Sone Aluko could return for the first time since suffering an Archilles problem when they make the trip to Sunderland on Saturday.

Aluko, 24, has not featured for ‘The Tigers’ since their 2-1 loss at Everton, though he was deemed fit enough for the 1-0 win over Sunderland a fortnight after, he broke down during the warm up before subsequently being ruled out for at least three months.

The Nigeria international, who has now been sidelined twice in the space of 12 months due to an Archilles problem, has made just eight appearances this season.

Sone Aluko Could Be Named on Hull City's Bench On Saturday.
Sone Aluko Could Be Named on Hull City’s Bench On Saturday.

He made his long-awaited return during a behind-closed-doors friendly with Nottingham County on Tuesday, playing for an hour for the reserves and will be pushing for a place on the bench at Wearside.

Manager Steve Bruce may not consider the player for a starting role yet, but the forward is understood to have impressed with a lively display in training on Thursday.

“Sone came through Tuesday fine but we want to box clever with this injury,” said Bruce.

“It’s important for us all to make sure it’s 100 per cent this time. The last thing we want is to rush him and something not to be quite right.

“We want to see Sone back so we’ll keep stepping it up and see where we are.

“It’s arguably the worst injury you can have as a footballer so it’s important that Sone feels confident with it too.”

Should Aluko fail to make a return to the first-team squad tomorrow, Tuesday’s home game with Southampton or the FA Cup fifth round tie at Brighton on February 17 will be in Aluko’s sights.

“I can feel my sharpness coming back slowly, but it’s not where I want it to be and there’s a way to go yet. But for this stage, I’m happy with where I’m at and hopefully it keeps on going the way it’s going,” said Aluko.

“The next step is to keep building my strength and fitness up and managing the process. I’m not trying to rush back in and be a hero by doing things that my body isn’t ready to do yet. I’m taking my time to make sure I’m fully fit.”